March 2018 Meeting

Created in the Image and Likeness of God (Gen. 1, 26-27)

“God created humanity in His image and likeness, in His divine image He created him; male and female He created them….God looked at everything He had made, and He found it very good, (Gen. 1, 27, 31)”

Brothers, last month we spoke about the difference between an inclination and an action. Homosexual inclination and Heterosexual inclination are not sinful in and of themselves. In other words, it is not a sin to be gay. It does become problematic and sinful when one entertains the thoughts, homosexual or heterosexual. More to the point, it is a serious sin (disordered) to act on the homosexual inclination. It is also a serious sin when one acts on a heterosexual inclination outside the sacrament of marriage. Note the parallels. The universal commonality, we are all God’s children regardless of proclivity and therefore are afforded the inherent right to be treated with dignity and respect.

One of the challenges faced for those dealing with same gender attraction is that it is an inclination they did not choose, seeing it as an unwanted burden. The question then what can be done about this uninvited challenge. “There is currently no scientific evidence on the cause of homosexual inclination, (2006)” “Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained, (CCC 2357).” So, what to do when faced with these issues or perhaps when walking with a loved one who is struggling in this area. Counselling from one who is supportive of the Churches teaching on homosexuality is certainly an option. This in collaboration with a regular confessor and the assistance of a spiritual director will no doubt be of benefit in the quest to lead a chaste life.

Training in acquiring virtue is one of the responses offered by the U.S. Catholic Bishops because this will assist us in all areas of our lives. “The acquisition of virtues requires a sustained effort and repeated actions. The more one repeats good actions, the more one’s passions (such as love, anger, fear) become shaped in accord with good action.” Of course, the opposite is also true as well. One way in which we the Church, we the Knights can assist persons who are experiencing homosexual inclinations is by nurturing healthy fraternal friendships. Friendship is an essential element for living a good life. “Friendships of various kinds are necessary, for a full human life, and they are likewise necessary for those attempting to live chastely in the world. There can be little hope of living a healthy, chaste life without nurturing human bonds. Living in isolation can ultimately exacerbate one’s disordered tendencies and undermine the practice of chastity (2006)”. Brothers though we

are speaking in terms of walking with individuals who are living within the challenge of same sex attraction, the importance of healthy life-giving relationships are key to living a good life for any one of us. Hence the intrinsic value of the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal organization of like-minded Catholic men seeking to serve the Lord and His people.

The Reflection(To be read by the Leader)

“It is crucially important to understand that saying a person has a particular inclination that is disordered is not to say that the person as a whole, is disordered. Nor does it mean that one has been rejected by God or the Church, (USCCCB 2006).” “While friendship is indeed necessary for the good life of a human person, friendship with God constitutes our ultimate end. Every human person has been created to share in the communion of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Church to persons with a homosexual inclination must always have the overriding aim of fostering the greatest possible friendship with God, (2006).” So, encouraging active participation in our Catholic faith community is essential and a wonderful support to living a life of chastity and integrity, for those endeavoring to live a chaste life in accord with Church teaching. “Catholics who are living in accord with the Church’s moral teaching are invited encouraged to participate fully and regularly in the sacramental life of the Church, (2006).” Brothers, we have a moral obligation to treat all our brothers and sisters with dignity and respect, just as we ourselves have the inherent right to expect just treatment. Those of God’s children who are dealing with the challenge of same sex attraction or inclination need our support and our love not our judgement. We as brother Knights need to be the loving hands and feet of our Lord Jesus who clearly desired that; “all may be one, (Jn. 17, 22).”

Created in the Image and Likeness of God (Gen.1, 26-27)

Meditation Period

(The Leader now invites the members to spend a few moments in silent reflection, as the above text is not meant to be a ready-made answer but a starter for personal reflection on the theme.)

Fraternal Sharing

(The leader now invites the members to share with their Brother Knights any relevant thoughts that came to them during the meditation period.)

Closing Prayer

(Recited by all) Let us pray: “Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.”